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Brie, Rhubarb, and Green Peppercorn Crostini





Total Time
1 hr 30 mins

This is an unusual combination, but the bright, spicy bite of peppercorns and rhubarb cuts the cheese’s creaminess. Trim off any rhubarb leaves, which are toxic, but leave the cheese rind on.

Best of 2011: Brie, Rhubarb, and Green Peppercorn Crostini (0112)




Photo by Alex Farnum; written by Stephanie Dean
 1 pound rhubarb stalks, leaves trimmed and discarded, stems sliced 1/4 in. thick
 5 tablespoons honey
 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
 1 heaping tbsp. green peppercorns in brine, drained
 1 French baguette (at least 14 in. long)
 2 tablespoons olive oil
 11 ounces very ripe triple-cream cheese such as Marin French Cheese Company Rouge et Noir Triple Crème Brie, or other brie or camembert, at room temperature
Step 1
1

Cook rhubarb with honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb is very soft and just starting to fall apart. Preheat oven to 350°.

Step 2
2

Remove pan from heat and add vinegar and peppercorns; let sit at room temperature (so flavors meld) at least 1 hour.

Step 3
3

Slice baguette meanwhile on the diagonal into 1/2-in.-thick slices to make Put slices on a baking sheet, brush one side with oil, and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool.

Step 4
4

Cut cheese into 26 thick slices, each about as long as a baguette slice.

Step 5
5

Spoon a scant 1 tbsp. rhubarb mixture onto each baguette slice. Top each with a slice of cheese (or two smaller pieces) and serve immediately. Or serve toasts, topping, and cheese separately and let guests assemble the crostini.

Step 6
6

Make ahead: Toasts, up to 1 day, stored airtight at room temperature; rhubarb topping, up to 1 day, covered and chilled.

Step 7
7

Note: Nutritional analysis is per crostino.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories107
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.4g6%

Saturated Fat 2.2g12%
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 185mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 13g5%

Dietary Fiber 0.8g3%
Protein 4.5g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.